Taking a line for a walk was inspired by the writings and art of Swiss artist Paul Klee whose work has been described as visual music. The idea behind the film was to create a non-narrative linear structure or living painting created using traditional animation techniques-although none of the conventions of the cartoon medium.
In going beyond the accepted forms of both the art establishment and the animation industry, the film defies conventional categorisation. It has been variously described as either too arty to be commercial or too commercial to be art.